Adebayor helped to put his side 2-0 up before the Gunners replied with a stunning comeback to take all three points, and the forward believes it is crucial that Spurs respond if they are to stay in contention for the Premier League title.

"If you want to be champions these games against the likes of Manchester United are the kind of games we have to be winning," Adebayor told Spurs TV Online.

"The Arsenal game has been a tough one, the defeat is very heavy, but we have to carry on. We have to keep focused. We have to show character in front of our fans and manage to win that game."

The loss at the Emirates ended an impressive run of results for Spurs, but the striker conceded that the best team won and has now switched his attentions to beating Sir Alex Ferguson‘s side.

He added: "After my penalty I thought game was over, but they showed good character, played some good football and came back so congratulations to Arsenal.

“Unfortunately we didn't manage to beat them but the season is long, we just have to keep focused and keep going.

"After losing 5-2 to Arsenal we can't ask for a bigger challenge than playing Manchester United, but we are looking forward to it. It will be a tough game but I think we are ready for it.

"We just have to show personality and character and bounce back as quickly as possible."